Pakistan wins independence cup against World XI

Despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) pushing for more international cricket in Pakistan, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has ruled out the possibility of his side touring the country in the near future.

World XI sealed a thrilling win in the second match to level the series 1-1.

He said: "Pakistan is an unavoidable part of the global cricket community and the Pakistani people are very passionate about the game". Two run-outs and three clean dismissals meant they were down and out.

Asked to chase 175, the World XI reached their target with a single ball to spare, setting up a series decider in today's third and final contest. The three-match series in now tied at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first match and World XI beat the hosts in the second.

'As a cricketer, knowing that you can not play cricket hurts badly, ' Irfan said. Many members of Pakistan's young cricket-mad population, 60 percent of which is under 25, have not had a chance to watch live cricket at home. "It is not just about cricket".

"Pakistan was a great supporter of Zimbabwe cricket, in those early days in the '90s, and I really appreciate the opportunities they have created for me and other cricketers in Zimbabwe".

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi believes successful organisation of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) second edition's final in Lahore paved way for the Independence Cup, and hopefully more teams are going to visit the country now.

"My personal bond with guys like Mushtaq Ahmed and Muhammad Akram and my brother's experience with the Pakistani players make it particularly special for me to be here". This has irked several players who criticised the PCB's way of handling things.

"We are helping Pakistan to make sure that it deals with the security threats in a way which is good for the cause of cricket in the country", he said adding " Pakistan's success in the champions trophy is another reason of bringing back global cricket to the country ".

On the other hand, World XI can opt for George Bailey, the former Australian limited-overs captain to strenthen the middle order.

The former captain added that it is good to see cricket returning to Pakistan and PCB deserves credit for this.